Reshetnev University in Krasnoyarsk (SibGU) is developing braking propulsion systems for deorbiting small spacecraft (SSC) into the dense layers of the atmosphere, where they will burn up. This will help reduce the amount of space debris.
Most spacecraft last 3–5 years and, after their mission ends, remain in orbit, posing a threat to other spacecraft, including the ISS. The new engine, which runs on environmentally friendly gaseous fuel (oxygen and methane), will reduce the speed of satellites and transfer them to lower orbits for safe disposal.
To solve this problem, we have begun developing small-sized braking propulsion systems of a special type, which reduce the speed of the SSC, transfer them to low orbits, where, under the influence of the Earth's gravity, they will enter the dense layers of the atmosphere and subsequently burn up
The engine is manufactured using 3D printing from a heat-resistant alloy.
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